Sutherland Springs benefit fundraiser set for Saturday

Published 7:04 pm, Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Mourners visits the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs Memorial Sunday Nov. 12, 2017. Twenty-six people were killed at the church last Sunday during a shooting.

Mourners visits the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs Memorial Sunday Nov. 12, 2017. Twenty-six people were killed at the church last Sunday during a shooting.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

Sutherland Springs benefit fundraiser set for Saturday

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Nearly one month after 26 churchgoers were killed at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, community members are continuing to raise funds for the victims families.

“It’s hard getting donations, let me tell you. Everybody has given already for all these other benefits,” said Robert Kunz, the organizer for an upcoming benefit at the Stockdale City Park Arena.

It starts at noon Saturday and ends at midnight . A bull riding contest is set for 3 p.m. and live band performances start at 6 p.m. There will also be a silent auction of belt buckles, painted bull skulls and metal art, among other items. It costs $10 for adults and $5 for children.

All funds go toward the victims’ families and First Baptist Church, by way of a bank account the Sutherland Springs Community Association set up after the mass shooting. The association and the Senior Bull Riding Association are hosting the fundraiser.

Kunz, who owns the Sutherland Springs Tire and Battery shop, said the healing process for the community has gone “very slow,” but he hopes any money they raise will help in some small way.

“They were all my customers or my friends. We knew a lot of people in (the church),” he said.

The plan is to make this an annual fundraiser, with next year’s event going toward college funds for the kids still recovering from the shooting.

“These kids need a break in life, and this is a good way to stary,” he said.

Those interested in donating or attending can contact Brandi Flores at 210-417-5580 for more information.